הרלב״ג

The Ralbag, Rabbi Levi ben Gershom of Provence (Gersonides), is the commentator who sought to understand everything in the light of reason, and one of the great sages of Israel who were also genuine scientists. A biblical commentator, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer, he invented a measuring instrument for sailors, 'Jacob's staff,' used in navigation for centuries.

In his commentary on the Torah and Prophets he developed a distinctive method: in every portion he first clarifies the explanation, then the 'benefits,' the practical and faith lessons to be drawn. He wished that Scripture not only be understood but teach a person how to live and think rightly.

And here is room for a distinction the tradition made: the Ralbag leaned in several matters far after the philosophy of his time, and on some of them the great sages of Israel disagreed with him sharply. Tradition honors his immense greatness in Torah and science, and where his view inclines from the accepted, one learns from him with care, taking his light and setting aside what does not accord.

What do we learn from him? That the Torah does not fear reason and science, and that one can be a commentator, philosopher and inventor at once. The Ralbag also teaches a lesson about limits: that even an immense sage can err when swept after the spirit of his age, and that tradition knows how to honor greatness and in the same breath qualify where necessary.